Do you suspect your child has Autism? We provide consultation in Thailand!
Online Consultation AND/OR In-Person Consultation in Bangkok between October to December 2024
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD, often referred to simply as Autism, is a severe disruption of the normal developmental process and the symptoms are evident (but not always recognized) within the first few years of life.
Autism is viewed as a spectrum or a continuum of disorders, with varying degrees of severity across the domains of functioning. The two main symptom areas are deficits in social communication and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.
For example, about half of children with autism have some level of speaking ability, while the remaining children have not developed any speech at all. For many parents the first sign they can recognize that something is wrong with their child’s development is delayed development of speech. This does not always mean that a child has autism, but all children should be screened for autism at their 18 and 24-month well-child checkup. Depending on the results from a simple questionnaire like the M-CHAT, more formal evaluation may be indicated.
Diagnosing Autism: DSM-5 – Autism Spectrum Disorder
Formal diagnosis requires assessment from a specialist such as a licensed psychologist or a developmental pediatrician. The criteria they will use are listed in the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) was published in 2013.
The manual reflects the state of knowledge of mental and developmental disorders. Changes in the newest edition include combining the previously distinct Pervasive Developmental Disorders (Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) into one new disorder: Autism Spectrum Disorder. There is now a 3-level severity scale has been added to the manual: requiring support; requiring substantial support; requiring very substantial support.
Autism Treatment:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA is a high-quality treatment approach for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It is based on more than 60 years of scientific research and effective clinical practice. ABA is the most widely recognized and scientifically proven treatment for ASD.
ABA uses an understanding of why behavior occurs to address a wide range of social issues, including helping individuals to learn. It uses laws of behavior that have been experimentally demonstrated, and it uses clearly defined procedures to specify how to change behavior. The primary focus of ABA is on behavior that is important to individuals, in terms of enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives.
Key Elements to Achieve the Best Outcomes by Children with ASD
There are several studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for people diagnosed with ASD, including a study conducted by Autism Partnership (2011). In these studies, the children with the best possible outcomes had these key elements in common:
- Treatment Intensity
- Intensive Supervision
- Parental Expertise
- Consistency of Treatment
- Utilizing quality intervention: APM
Are all ABA the same?
What makes Autism Partnership (AP) different?
While all ABA may be founded on the same foundational principles, not all ABA is alike.
ABA can take various forms depending upon the individual or agency providing the service. In addition to the skill level of the provider, there are technical and stylistic differences in implementation.
At AP, our treatment method is highly clinically driven and utilize procedures that have been developed out of working with children and from our research center. Our curriculum is all-inclusive focusing on critical foundation skills including managing behaviors, communication, social, learning-how-learn, and self-help skills. We teach in a fun and innovative way with natural reinforcements that motivate children to learn and make rapid progress.
A method backed by promising treatment results: Autism Partnership Method (APM™)
Compassionate and Empathetic
The APM™ focuses on:
- Developing strong and natural reinforcers so that learning can easily transfer to the real world.
- Helping children so that they learn not only in 1:1 situations, but in small and large groups
- Helping children learn in natural settings, that includes the types of distractions that occur in schools and the community.
- Focusing on the whole child: not only is communication and academics important but teaching children all the skills they need to develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships. This includes developing social and play skills.
- Teaching children the skills that will allow them to become truly independent. Learning how to monitor their own behaviors is essential for maximizing quality of life.
- Recognizing the need to provide counseling services for children, siblings and parents.
- Providing therapy in natural forms so that children develop natural language and are able to engage with the natural world.
- Training parents, teachers, and family members the necessary skills so that they can facilitate success
Speak to our experienced clinical team today! During the free online consultation, we will provide:
*Please note:
- This service is only available for FREE OF CHARGE for parents who are new to AP.
- This is NOT a formal diagnostic or skills-based assessment. NO REPORT will be provided.